Ed Brown
Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant Associates/ Officer of Compass Group

Since becoming CEO in January 2022, he has led exceptional growth, with revenue nearly doubling, while strengthening Restaurant Associates’ position as a chef-driven hospitality leader.

A Culinary Institute of America graduate with more than four decades of experience, Brown’s culinary work has been recognized with a Michelin star and a combined 14 stars from The New York Times. Career highlights include Eighty One, Ed’s Chowder House and ACES by Ed Brown at the U.S. Open. He is the author of The Modern Seafood Cook. Brown was honored at C-CAP's 2023 Annual National Benefit for his leadership in the food industry. He serves on C-CAP's National Board and is Board Vice Chair of New York Common Pantry. In 2026, he received the NYC Hospitality Alliance's Big Apple Award, recognizing his lasting influence on New York City's restaurant industry and was honored by Children of Bellevue at its annual TOAST! to the Children gala for his leadership in hospitality and commitment to addressing food insecurity.